Finance Voices

Sadbhav Aryal , Class of 2023

Hi, my name is Sadbhav, and I am a second-semester Energy Management Student at Jindal School of Management. Dallas is my second home, and I love UTD for its vibrant environment, endless career-oriented academic opportunities, comprehensive curriculum, and beautiful campus. I have several years of working experience in energy & project management, and I joined UTD with an expectation to strengthen my abilities and fill the gap of skill shortage in energy industries.

Vidisha Mehta

Deal Desk Officer

Joining GFMC has been a transformative part of my academic journey as an MS in Finance student at The University of Texas at Dallas. From participating in the Excel Competition to engaging in Coffee Chat Sessions and mock interviews, GFMC has offered a supportive and enriching platform for exploring real-world finance and connecting with a vibrant community of peers and mentors. As an international student, navigating a new academic system, internship search, and cultural environment came with challenges. GFMC provided direction, resources, and a sense of belonging. It is an honor to now contribute back as a Deal Desk Officer. With prior experience in M&A consulting, I bring a foundational understanding of financial due diligence and deal analysis. However, my focus at UTD is on translating that knowledge into meaningful contributions for fellow students. As a Deal Desk Officer, I aim to simplify complex finance topics and break down current market news into engaging, digestible formats. Whether through visual explainers, quick reads, or interactive content, my goal is to make finance more accessible and spark curiosity within the UTD finance community.

Sanyukta Suryavanshi , Class of 2024

I am a civil engineer from V.J.T.I, Mumbai. I worked for 3 years as and engineer and later pursued my masters in Offshore Structures from NIT Calicut, Kerala. With around 6 years of experience in oil field service and equipment industry, I came to UT Dallas to study Energy Management as it offers me courses in general management and energy business. Professors at UTD are industry experts and impart the understanding in the three sectors of energy business with real world example. Through this course I aspire to work in the area of energy transition by formulating business strategy, guiding in mergers and acquisitions and public policy.

Marcelo Medeiros de Campos, Class of 2023

Marcelo Campos is an Oil and Gas Industry Executive with 20+ years of experience in Management, Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. Marcelo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and is currently pursuing both an MBA and M.Sc. in Business focused on Energy Management at The University of Texas.

Rifat Budhwani

Marketing Manager

GFMC (Graduate Finance Management Council) is an exemplary student organization dedicated to supporting the finance student population at UT Dallas. As an MSF student passionate about valuation, corporate finance, and financial analysis, I transitioned into academia as an international student after several years of professional experience. While the shift initially posed challenges, the steadfast guidance of GFMC officers and our program director’s mentorship made my transition seamless. Their support helped me quickly understand program requirements, navigate campus resources, approach the internship application process, and tap into the strength of the alumni network. GFMC fosters an inclusive, empowering platform where students can expand their knowledge, enhance their professional skills, and build a strong sense of community within the financial industry. Reflecting on my journey and challenges, I am committed to mentoring and empowering others on their academic and career paths. As GFMC’s Marketing Officer, I’m passionate about sharing relevant opportunities, showcasing student achievements, and creating engaging content that connects current and prospective MS Finance students with valuable resources. My background in business development, financial analysis, and team leadership equips me to communicate effectively and meaningfully support our community. Feel free to reach out if you need help navigating the finance ecosystem or are looking for guidance as you chart your path at UTD. I’m excited to support your growth and help you make the most of your journey here!

Joshua Parr

Looking to expand his career opportunities, Joshua decided to study energy because it lies at the intersection of private enterprise and public policy. He selected the Energy Management program at UTD because its instructors have significant industry experience and because it offers practical, real-world course materials, such as authentic energy contracts.

Sanskar Raheja

General Secretary & Treasurer

The Graduate Finance Management Club (GFMC) is a vital organization at UTD, dedicated to supporting finance students and creating opportunities for growth and connection. As a Master of Science in Finance student, I began my journey at UTD as an international student adjusting to a new academic and cultural environment. Navigating the challenges of rigorous coursework while settling into a new country was not easy, but the mentorship and support I received from GFMC made a significant impact. Through its events, workshops, and community, the organization assisted me in better understanding the program, utilizing campus resources, and developing a clear path toward my career goals. As the General Secretary of GFMC, I’m excited to continue this tradition of support and guidance. My experiences—from interning in risk management and financial research to starting a business—have equipped me with practical skills and insights that I’m eager to share with others. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where members can grow, connect with like-minded peers, and prepare for successful careers in finance. Whether you’re new to the program or looking to make the most of your experience, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out—I look forward to supporting you and being part of your journey at UTD!

Mansi Mange

President

Serving as the President of GFMC for a second consecutive semester has been both an honor and a responsibility I take great pride in. As I look ahead to Fall 2025, I’m excited to continue building on the momentum we’ve created – deepening our impact, expanding student engagement, and bringing more industry-aligned opportunities to the MS Finance community at UTD.

When I first joined the program, GFMC played a huge role in helping me find my footing, from connecting with seniors to discovering professional pathways. That’s why I’ve been so passionate about creating the same kind of supportive, inclusive environment for others.

I come to UTD with over 7 years of experience across financial advisory, accounting and auditing. Having worked with Deloitte and BDO on projects involving valuations, fairness opinions, purchase price allocations, and strategic investments, I bring a practical understanding of the financial landscape to my role. I’m also a Chartered Accountant from India and have cleared CFA Level II. Through GFMC, I aim to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, whether it’s by guiding peers on interview prep, hosting alumni sessions, or launching hands-on competitions that build technical skills.

During Spring 2025, GFMC hosted events like finance mock interview preparation, Excel Case Competition that challenged students to apply their skills in a real-world setting and CFA workshop. For Fall 2025, we’re excited to bring back our Mentorship Program, and host signature events like the Alumni Roundtable, Internship Roundtable, and skill-building workshops aimed at preparing students for recruiting and full-time roles.

If you’re looking to get involved, build connections, or explore career paths in finance — GFMC is the place to start. I’m always happy to connect and would love to hear your ideas for the semester ahead!

Yash Patel

Vice President

GFMC has been a defining element of my experience as a Finance student at UT Dallas. From Alumni Roundtables and case competitions to the Mentorship Program, the organization has helped me navigate the challenges of grad school, build industry connections, and develop both personally and professionally. I still remember how overwhelming it felt balancing academics, extracurriculars, and internship search, but the guidance I received through coffee chats and officer support made all the difference. Starting as a Deal Desk Officer and now serving as Vice President, I’ve grown through mentorship, collaboration, and leading initiatives that bring real value to our student community. In my new role, I’ll be focused on strengthening alumni engagement through our mentorship program, organizing technical workshops, coffee chats, internship and alumni roundtables, and managing key events, including a visit to the Dallas Fed. With prior experience in equity research and corporate finance, I’m passionate about helping others find their footing and explore career paths in investment and corporate finance. I’m always happy to support current or prospective students. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, need guidance, or just want to connect.

Harshita Sri Valleti

Committee Chair

As the Committee Chair of the Graduate Finance Management Council (GFMC), I’m excited to contribute to a platform that supports finance students and equips them with tools to thrive. Whether it’s bridging the gap between classroom concepts and industry expectations or helping students build meaningful connections, GFMC plays a key role in shaping confident, career-ready finance professionals. My transition directly from a bachelor’s program in India to a master’s in finance abroad came with academic, professional, and personal challenges. What made that leap not just manageable but empowering was the support I found through GFMC’s mentorship program, alumni roundtables, and real-world competitions. These experiences didn’t just sharpen my technical skills; they allowed me to apply them, gain confidence, and create a clearer direction for my future. With a foundation in corporate economics & finance and hands-on experience optimizing financial models and streamlining budgeting strategies, I’m building on the skills I need to grow into roles in FP&A and investment analysis. As Committee Chair, my vision is to help incoming students make the most of their master’s program to test their potential, build lasting networks, and explore areas of finance that truly excite them. I hope to support others just as GFMC has supported me and positively impacted my journey at UTD. Feel free to reach out whether you’re looking for a helping hand or a familiar face on campus. I’d love to connect and be a part of your journey.

Lama Hamze , Class of 2023

I am in my first semester pursuing a master’s degree in Energy Management at UTD that would combine both my passion to learn more about the solutions and policies needed to resolve these kinds of conflicts and my experience in business.

Lisa Jaggat

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in finance and economics and her Master of Science in management science from the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas. For over eight years, she worked in the finance industry in both her native land, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in Irving, Texas.